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My employer offers different employee resource groups based on gender, race and sexual orientation. I’m conflicted about whether to join such a group because I don’t want to be identified by such characteristics; I want to be recognized and rewarded for my work and performance as an individual. What do you think about such groups?

Throughout the history of mankind the human race has gravitated towards “community.” Spending time with others who share similar backgrounds, experiences, interests, etc. is in our DNA. It also demonstrates that your employer is sensitive, smart and current to offer such opportunities for employees. No one is going to judge you based on that group identity. You, your work and how you interact with others outside of the group on a daily basis will determine your success or failure in business. You’re over-thinking this. Attend the next mixer, relax, make some new friends and business contacts and enjoy.

The person in the cube next to me has got to be the loudest individual on the face of the planet. Whether she is on the phone personally or for business — or just talking to a colleague in person— she only knows one volume level: loud. Any advice?

Doesn’t it make you crazy when people in public places talk as if they are in private or speaking to the hearing-impaired? Makes me particularly nuts when you are a captive audience, — like on a bus — to their cell phone conversation. Issues like this are best addressed directly, discreetly and professionally. Talk to your cube-mate; it is unlikely she hasn’t been told that she is loud before. You’ll likely see modest improvement and earnest attempts to keep it down — at least at the start. But the chances are she’s wired that way and you won’t see dramatic permanent improvement unless the boss gets involved one way or the other. If all else fails you can just up the amps on your end during her quiet moments . . . just for sport!